Fernando Torres struck seven minutes from time to rescue a 2-2 draw and save European champions Chelsea from being embarrassed by League One side Brentford in round four of the FA Cup at Griffin Park this afternoon.
Despite the two-division gap between the clubs, hosts Brentford were the dominant force during the opening 45 minutes of the tie.
© PA Photos
Their first real opening was created with 12 minutes gone as stand-in Chelsea goalkeeper Ross Turnbull picked up a back pass from captain John Terry. However, the resultant free kick was sent over the bar by Harry Forrester.
The same player had another effort from distance with 25 minutes played after he had dispossessed Frank Lampard, but he dragged his shot wide of the target.
Adam Forshaw was next to try his luck for Uwe Rosler's team, but while his curling effort beat Turnbull, it crept inches beyond the upright.
Just when it looked as though the Bees were not going to make the most of their first-half domination, they broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute. Forrester again got the better of Lampard, before seeing his shot parried clear by Turnbull. On this occasion, though, Marcello Trotta was on hand to turn in the rebound.
Visiting Chelsea brought on Juan Mata at the start of the second half, which gave the Blues a greater attacking impetus.
They went on to make that count 10 minutes after the restart when Brazilian midfielder Oscar gained control of the ball inside the area and then proceeded to lift the ball into the net from 16 yards out.
© PA Photos
However, rather than gain control of proceedings, Chelsea struggled to keep possession and found themselves a goal behind again 17 minutes from time. Keeper Turnbull brought down Tom Adeyemi inside the box and Forrester stepped up to dispatch the resultant penalty.
Brentford were unable to hold on, though, as Torres swept the ball into the net from close range following a hooked pass from substitute Demba Ba with 83 minutes on the clock.
© PA Photos
Rafael Benitez's Chelsea pushed hard in search of a winning goal in the closing stages, but the home team survived a late penalty scare to earn a replay at Stamford Bridge.
